What is this?

Hey y'all,
I was sifting through stuff at the local **** shop when I found this. At first I thought it was a real old cap gun of sorts but after further inspection it appeared to be made out of much heftier metal than needed and the barrel was solid and not two pieces welded together or bolted like a cap gun. The bore appears to be the same size as a .22. So what you guys think, toy or some sort of .22 single shot? Any info?

finally found some info. it is a
Kenton cast iron blank pistol, made by Kenton Manufacturing Company of Kenton, Ohio.

It is not a starter pistol, but more of a noise maker. or as kids found out back when they were sold, a high powered BB gun if u roll one down the barrel. It fires .22 BP shorts. still trying to find the value of it